Kazuyoshi Miura surpasses English legend Stanley Matthews record

Japanese veteran striker Kazuyoshi Miura, affectionately known as King Kazu, has eclipsed legendary England footballer Stanley Matthews in the record books following a league appearance at the age of 50.

Miura played in Yokohama FC’s 1-1 draw against V-Varen Nagasaki last weekend at 50 years and seven days – two days older than Matthews when he made a league appearance for Stoke City against Fulham in 1965.

Although Miura has surpassed the England great, Miura was quick to play down his newly-set record.

“Matthews was a legendary player for us,” he told local reporters.

“I don’t actually feel like I’ve gone past a legend. I may have surpassed him in longevity but I won’t ever be able to match his statistics and the career he had,” he added.

Miura has played professional football for more than 30 years. He had short stints with various clubs in Brazil, before moving back to Japan in 1994.

Miura joined Genoa on loan for one season back in the 1990s, and also played for Dinamo Zagreb in 1999. He joined Yokohama FC in 2005 and has gradually become an icon at the club.